Sign language success for Salford’s Salix

Salix Homes has been ‘spreading the word’ about British Sign Language (BSL) by teaching the communication skill to frontline staff – who are now passing it on to residents.

Five members of the ALMO’s staff celebrated passing their BSL Level 2 exams recently; the latest to do so since the Salford-based organisation began providing BSL training for frontline staff in 2008.

The aim of the course, which was delivered by HearFirst, is to improve communication between staff and its customers who are deaf, deafened, deafblind or hard of hearing.

Residents living at Longbow Court in Broughton have seen at first hand the benefits that the training has provided as their neighbourhood officer has been teaching them sign language so that they can talk to their deaf friend.

Joanne Slater, 35, used her sign language skills to communicate to Marina Hoyles, 76, after realising that she was deaf. Other residents living at the complex saw Joanne and Marina signing together and asked if she would teach them some signs too.

Hoyles has lived at the sheltered scheme for over a year and now feels more included and is delighted that other residents have shown an interest and willingness to learn sign language, Salix said.

Slater first started learning sign language after attending an introduction to BSL and deaf awareness course in 2009 and is one of the five members of staff who have gained their Signature Level 2 qualification in BSL. She now intends to continue her professional development by studying for BSL Level 3.

“I think it is really important that all of our customers can access our services, the sign language training is a great idea, particularly for our front line members of staff,” Slater said. “The organisation uses many different channels to communicate with its customers, as we believe that all tenants should feel fully included in the services we provide. I enjoy meeting and working with customers who are deaf and it has been a privilege to learn about the deaf community and their culture.”

Salix customer access supervisor, Stephen Butterworth, added: “Before the training, I struggled to communicate with deaf people. I was embarrassed and didn’t know what to do. I was completely unaware of the deaf community and what it means to be deaf. Now I’ve completed my Level 2 BSL I feel much more at one with our deaf customers.”

Sarah Davies, neighbourhood officer for Broughton, said: “Before the training, we held a conference for customers. Some deaf customers attended and whilst we did have a BSL interpreter there, we (Salix staff) were unable to interact with the deaf customers directly. They told us they were disappointed and in response to that feedback Salix Homes arranged Deaf Awareness and BSL training. Achieving this qualification has given me a confidence boost and means I can provide much better customer care.”

Julie Ryder, director and founder of HearFirst, said: “Salix Homes has continually recognised the importance of Deaf and disability awareness training for its staff but more importantly, the benefits that this provides for their tenants.”